**Is CRKT going down hill this year?**

R

rogue_spear

Joined
Oct 17, 2000
Messages
598
There are a lot of complaints about CRKT this year:

1. Ryan Model 7 thumbstuds are too big and rust. People had to remove them.

2. Companion's sheaths suck.

3. Over priced M-16 full size carbon fiber tanto.

4. Tighe handle has sharp edges.

5. Bead blast finish promote rust.

Is CRKT going down hill this year?

 
No. I've purchased more CRKT knives this year than ever before, and I've been pleased each and every time with the quality-to-cost ratio of each purchase.

All of a sudden I'm hearing that the Companion's sheaths are poor, but this is news to me. Yes, it's too heavy for neck carry, but I've had no problems with it otherwise.

Size of thumbstuds is going to be a personal preference thing, I guess.

As for rust, I always assume rust is a risk. I use Break-Free CLP on all my knives as soon as I take them out of the box, and so far I haven't had any unbearable rust outbreaks.

I can't speak to the price of the carbon fiber M16, but I have one in Zytel, and it's a superb knife (at a great price). I don't own a Tighe so I can't comment.

In addition to the Companion and the M16, I've purchased both the large and small Crawford tactical folders from CRKT. They're great, and I couldn't be happier with them. We're a very critical community, and we demand perfection -- but the complaints you've mention don't strike me as indicative of a general trend downward.

On the contrary, I was just thinking earlier this week that CRKT might be the best company currently producing inexpensive "tactical folders," in terms of cost-for-quality.

-Razor


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AKTI #A000845
 
rogue_spear, I agree with Razor. I have bought several CRKT knives and I've been very happy with them. Rust cannot be blamed on the manufacturer. I own a Ryan model 7 and there is not one speck of rust on it or around the thumb studs. I always make sure the blades are cleaned with Tuf-Cloth. When I buy a CRKT knife, I am not expecting the quality of a Microtech, but for the price, they do make great knives. As far them being on the decline, I don't really think so. In fact, I think that they are on the uprise. One of the main reasons why they have become so popular is the fact that they produce custom collaborations at a very affordable price.
 
I would have to say that you're wrong, IMHO. I firmly believe CRKT is on the rise and has it's sights on target. In the past, I wouldn't consider buying a CRKT (or Camillus for that matter) until they started to produce some of the best knives on the market for the money, bar none. Someone is doing their homework in the marketing department!

I think rust is a maintenance issue and the sharp edges on the Tighe is a minor issue considering the cost. The QC of these companies far surpasses one big name maker that I won't mention.
wink.gif


Chris
 
I can't say enough good things about CRKT. I think they are skyrocketing right now!
They consitently amaze me with their great collaborations and amazing products.
I think the complaints you have are either due to preference or you are expecting too much out of the cost range.

P.S. - why do you always use asteriks in your titles? Is it to grab more attention?

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Karma is only justice without the satisfaction
 
I have to agree with the opinions so far expressed. CRKT knives are not perfect, but they are as close as you will get for the price.

The M16 should be compared to other knives in it's price range. I think you will find that though expensive it stands up to the comparison very well.

CRKT are trying to offer high value knives and I think that they have succeeded admirably.

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Keith

AKTI Member #A001338
 
While I've been one who complained about the CRKT Companion's sheaths, in no way did I try to suggest that it was anything other than a bargain for the price I gave for it. I wanted to try carrying a fixed blade knife, and the size is perfect for that. So, am getting a sheath from Normark.

I also was disappointed in the edges of the handles of the Tighe Tac. I am a great admirer of Tighe's designs, and the Tighe Tac is one of my favorites. So, I guess you'd say I had more hopes built up for it than for any other CRKT knife I've purchased, excepting possibly the large KFF.

While I think they've produced a couple knives this year that haven't quite hit the mark as well as most of their knives have done in the past, in no way do I think they're in decline.

You can't imagine my surprise and delight when I heard they'd have prototypes of the Carson F4 at Blade. You can bet I'll buy that, whatever it costs.

I've read that CRKT is perhaps reconsidering using AUS6 so widely in their knives, in part because of the criticism that steel produces. I truly hoped that the first knife to break that "tradition" would be the F4. Not to be, sadly.

I've just bought Apaches and the S-2. I like both of them extremely well. I believe that for one whose style of fighting relies more upon stabs/thrusts than slashing couldn't do any better than the Apache. The way the lock of the S-2 whacks closed, you know that nothing is going to cause it to fail. Unlike other titanium handled knives, the S-2's design accounts for the shape of the owner's hand, and the deep grooves make holding onto it no problem whatsoever. I think it is one of the bigger bangs for the buck that CRKT sells/used to sell. (I have the big one)

I believe CRKT is going to do just fine if the idiots from the Customs leave them alone. It may also be difficult for them to effectively sell more expensive knives, simply because their prices have been so low. Won't bother me, because I'm convinced that several of the CRKTs I have are worth far more than they cost. Chief example is my M16-14, IMHO.

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Asi es la vida

Bugs
 
CRKT has been getting alot of criticism for using AUS-6. (Mostly by steel snobs). I don't mind it at all. Yes, I do like a steel that holds a good edge, however, I sharpen my own knives when the need arises.
CRKT is about producing darn good knives at a price the average working class Joe can afford. I think they do a great job at it, and though there may be certain models which don't appeal to me, it's a matter of personal choice.
I think what dissapoints people is when they have high expectations on certain knife models.
For example, if CRKT was to produce a knife in the same calibre as say the Microtech L.C.C., just imagine the price increase of the knife and production costs to meet the tolerances required. It can be done, but would it be profitable for CRKT in the end?

I remember a few years ago when it was announced that CRKT was dropping out of the Sebenza collaboration. Outdoor Edge has recently done the same with the Cosmos collaboration.

http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum24/HTML/000181.html

I would rather have the company put a project on hold, because they would not be able to meet the production requirements for knives like the Sebenza or the Cosmos, than to release a crappy knife like Schrade did with the Lake and Walker II knife.





[This message has been edited by el cid (edited 06-05-2001).]
 
I have personally had problems with the last two folder designs that I have gotten from CRK&T.
But, that does not detract from the fact that CRK&T has the best overall lineup of custom collaberations in the entire cutlery industry IMHO.
My Companion did have a sheath that was a bit tight at first, however, after working with it awhile it has evened out and is now more user friendly.
Can you guys imagine if they upped their base steel to something like 440c?
eek.gif
I would end up just signing my paycheck over to them and be happier than a pig in slop to do it.
biggrin.gif

Overall, for the price, their knives rock! and I can't imagine them going anywhere but up.

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu
 
I really like CRKT knives. My first real knife was a PECK. Now I have 9 or 10 of their knives. I am for the most part very pleased!
Matt
 
Bugs,
The small F4 is one of two of my new designs that CRKT will introduce at the Blade Show. The other is my Model 18. Spearpoint, slight recurve, and a real slick flipper. Titanium colored, anodized Alluminum handles with the inlayed lock and 2 textured G-10 inlays. Blade will have the same finish as the Veile Wasp. 4" and 3" blade versions.
Wish I could send you a picture but they just arrived and I haven't seen them yet. You can bet I will just a few minutes after I arrive in Atlanta
smile.gif



 
rogue I think you're way off base with this thread. I've got a couple of CRKT knives, good knives...great price...no complaints here.

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I've had a KISS since they came out (3 yrs) and it's been a fine knife since. I've used it for everything you could think of using a Money friendly knife for. I don't like the plastic washers, but hey... so far, so good!

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peace love arch
 
I have 2 CRKTs and they're great but I have heard a lot of complaints lately so I wanted to hear opinions of this years CRKTs.


Damn, I can't wait for the kit carson models. Please post pics. Please post pics of the real customs so we can compare.
 
Rogue_Spear,
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">1. Ryan Model 7 thumbstuds are too big and rust. People had to remove them.</font>
Click to expand...
It's very individual thing, first I have removed mine but some time later I put it back
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">2. Companion's sheaths suck.</font>
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Really? I would like much more if this knife would have single ambidextrous concealex sheath with Tek-Lok multi-carry clip but in my opinion it is far from deserving to consider "it sucks"
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">3. Over priced M-16 full size carbon fiber tanto.</font>
Click to expand...
Would you consider it is overpriced if for ex. Microtech or Emerson would issue the same knife for the same price?
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">4. Tighe handle has sharp edges.</font>
Click to expand...
No one knife can do all perfectly. I personally consider Tighle Tac as gent's folder but I have seen much less comfortable handles on some heavy duty knives
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">5. Bead blast finish promote rust.</font>
Click to expand...
The most of CRKT knives have bead blast finish starting from very first knives they have issued. Think this year bead blast finish causes the rust not more and not less that any other year, in my country's climate at least
wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Is CRKT going down hill this year?</font>
Click to expand...
Hmm, reading your post I have considered that you rather wish them to go hill down, but luckily this is not the same, right?
 
Sergiusz Mitin, you are jumping to conclusions when I am simply trying to get opinions on the state of affairs of current CRKTs. Don't put words in my mouth. I am happy with my aluminum m16 and large Casper. Many people on the board agree that the large carbon fiber m16 is not priced competitively because you can get better folders for the money.


OwenM, thanks for the pics. I am really looking forward to the next Carson/CRKT venture.



[This message has been edited by rogue_spear (edited 06-06-2001).]
 
Rogue_Spear,
I just have read your post the way it is written: it connects 5 negative suggestions, no one justification and 1 question only.

Excuse me please, but in my opinion it is not the best way to start constructive discussion.

Better folders for the money? Is their superiority prejudged? Only side-by-side comparison could prove are they really better, as far as it's not done we can operate only "like" or "do not like" terms. I, for example, do not like tanto blades.
Naturally it is just my humble opinion but hope it is not too crazy
smile.gif

 
Let's not have this turn into a personality thing. Rogue made some strong comments, but he DID ask for other's opinions.
David

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AKTI# A000150
NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member
 
Rogue, I think Sergiuse is right your thread meant to put a negative spin to it, looking for complaints about a company that is doing a great job of making quality knives at a very good price. If you had done the same thing with a custom maker here folks would have ripped your head off. Why? Because you would be attacking an individual, but you think it's fine to hurt a companies reputation here. Well, companies are made up by individuals who work hard and probably wouldn't like the tone you tried to start with your question.

This is an open Forum, if you have a complaint, spit it out. To start a thread to solicit complaints is nothing short of malicious.

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